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| BVI Flag featuring the U.K. Union Jack and Coat of Arms |
The British Virgin Islands are rich with cultural diversity that makes their Caribbean flavor so unique. The population of the BVI consists mainly of African/Black citizens (70-80%), with the rest made up of Europeans, Indians, Hispanics, whites, and mixed races. Due to the attractive location as a trade route, the region drew much attention. The BVI became a massive slave trading hub and the enslaved Africans brought what little they had, their heritage. Over the generations their traditions blended with their new home and those of the various other ethnic groups living on the islands. Thus, creating their distinctive and unique music, food, and culture we know and love.
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| Common handmade instruments |
One of the most common associations we make when we think of the Caribbean (besides rum and glistening blue seas) is their distinct music. Instruments and music styles collided from Africa, Europe, and Hispanic influence; as well as other local nations. They "imported" steel band music from Trinidad, Reggae from Jamaica, and salsa from Latin America. The locals call this mix 'Fungi' (named for their National Dish) or Scratch music, which means a mash-up. Favoring percussion and drums, they incorporate a wide variety of instruments into their funky colorful sounds. Traditional instruments included bongos, washboards, guitars, ukuleles, and calabash (a type of gourd). Later they would also mix in western instruments such as, saxophone, bass, and piano. In the days of slavery, music instruments were unattainable therefore, everything was made by hand out of common materials such as spare wood, busted car parts, tin cans, old walking canes, and gourds. To this day the islanders still hold tight onto their traditions, including building your own instrument and passing on the songs from their slave ancestors.
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| Small portion of the Fahie Hill Mural, Tortola, BVI |
To the islanders music is not only a story but also, a firsthand account of their history and heritage. They celebrate their emancipation from slavery annually with extravagant festivals, performances, delicious food, and music performed by local bands. According to locals, one of the best Fungi bands in the BVI is called
The Lashing Dogs, their sound is a mash up of fungi, reggae, and American rock. The rhythmic and highly danceable tunes are bound to get anyone moving and shaking for a grand old Caribbean time.
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| National Dish: Fish and Fungi |
The food in the British Virgin Islands is just as diverse as it's people and it's no surprise that the island dwellers National dish is fish. Fish and Fungi to be exact; however, the 'Fungi' aren't mushrooms at all, it is a sort of pancake made of cornmeal, okra, and butter. They love lots of spicy flavors and it's common for dishes to be heavily seasoned with curry, nutmeg, and jerk seasoning. Many popular dishes in the BVI have their roots from all over the world. The British brought their recipes for custards and dumplings. India and China introduced curried goat, rice, and Roti (curried meat wrapped in pastry dough). |
| Curried Goat |
Even the original inhabitants of the region, the Arawak (Taino) Tribe, influenced their cuisine with the introduction of cassava, corn, and the creation of jerk seasoning. Although the islands were relatively good for farming, much of the native crops were mostly fruits that grew on trees and bushes. With the majority of their food being imported, the cuisine of the BVI is ever-evolving as they continue to integrate the various foods into a delicious cultural melting pot. It is a fact that one of the best ways to get to know a culture is with your taste buds.
Sources:
Arnold, A. (n.d.). The essential meal of the virgin islands. Retrieved March 18, 2021, from https://www.saveur.com/st-croix-pot-fish-fungi-virgin-islands-harveys/
BVITouristBoard. (2020, November 02). BVILOVE is our culture. Retrieved March 20, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pu0oM-FmC4
Dbaptiste. (2020, July 22). Bvi emancipation festival to be a mix of virtual & physical events. Retrieved March 17, 2021, from https://www.loopnewscaribbean.com/content/bvi-emancipation-festival-be-mix-virtual-physical-events
Favorite foods of the virgin islands. (n.d.). Retrieved March 17, 2021, from http://www.best-virgin-islands-guide.com/foods-of-the-virgin-islands.html
Music of the caribbean - caribbean - gcse music revision - bbc bitesize. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2021, from https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/ztp49j6/revision/1
A taste of jamaica: Curried goat and Blue draws - pilot guides - Travel, explore, learn. (2012, November 27). Retrieved March 20, 2021, from https://www.pilotguides.com/articles/a-taste-of-jamaica-curried-goat-and-blue-draws/
Territorial music: Government of the Virgin Islands. (n.d.). Retrieved March 20, 2021, from http://www.bvi.gov.vg/territorial-music
Yigitce, E. (2012, April 24). Fungi folk: Dance music of the British Virgin Islands. Retrieved March 18, 2021, from https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/british-virgin-islands/articles/fungi-folk-dance-music-of-the-british-virgin-islands/
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